What gear bags do you use for matches? Not one for your rifle plus gear, but just gear. Any budget backpacks? What’s the best bang for the bug when it comes to backpacks for competitions?
What gear bags do you use for matches?
- Thread starter cattleman99
- Start date
For cheap but serviceable backpack I like the 5.11 Rush 12. Holds what I need, does the job. Been using mine for one and two day matches for a couple years now.
Everybody loves "tactical" packs. Every one I've looked at, that doesn't cost $300+, has either no frame system or an internal frame that can barely be called that and just sucks. That leaves the weight hanging mostly from your shoulder.
Not a big deal if you're moving a few dozen yards with the pack on your back. A big deal if you have to keep that weight on over uneven terrain or move some distance with it.
IME, many mid priced hunting packs in the 30 - 50 liter capacity range come with much better suspensions and offer just as much (and sometimes more) functionality as the tacticool stuff.
Here's a few examples that I like:
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/matrix
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/pursuit
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/traverse-eps
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/falcon
https://www.cabelas.com/product/hun...belas-bow-and-rifle-pack/2742560.uts?slotId=0
Not a big deal if you're moving a few dozen yards with the pack on your back. A big deal if you have to keep that weight on over uneven terrain or move some distance with it.
IME, many mid priced hunting packs in the 30 - 50 liter capacity range come with much better suspensions and offer just as much (and sometimes more) functionality as the tacticool stuff.
Here's a few examples that I like:
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/matrix
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/pursuit
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/traverse-eps
http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/falcon
https://www.cabelas.com/product/hun...belas-bow-and-rifle-pack/2742560.uts?slotId=0
Keep your eyes open for a used pack. I found an eberlestock for a great price. The 5.11 is great pack too. Well made and has lasted me for years with no issues. Just find a quality one so you don’t have replace in 2-3 months.
Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack for two day matches. I like the way it rides and holds weight better the Eberlestock packs I've had.
Im going to pick up a Mystery Ranch ASAP pack for the smaller one day matches where I don't need weather gear or have to haul a bunch of other crap around.
Im going to pick up a Mystery Ranch ASAP pack for the smaller one day matches where I don't need weather gear or have to haul a bunch of other crap around.
I have a Mystey Ranch Crew Cab. It was expensive, but it’s the most versatile pack I’ve ever owned and probably will have it till one of us falls apart. Used it at Mammoth, matches, hunting, cold weather camping/hiking, rock climbing. It’s pretty much adaptable to anything.
I’ve had it loaded with meat and gear for some pretty far hikes, and it’s as comfortable as it can be.
I realize it’s a bit overkill for a match pack, but if you have multiple needs give it a look.
I’ve had it loaded with meat and gear for some pretty far hikes, and it’s as comfortable as it can be.
I realize it’s a bit overkill for a match pack, but if you have multiple needs give it a look.
Keep an eye out at the surplus stores. I’ve seen some pretty nice packs for very reasonable prices. And they are usually willing to deal a bit. The benefits I’ve seen for those packs is they are usually covered with webbing to add pouches as necessary. Pouches which can usually be picked up from the same store.
I have the benefit at most of the matches I go to that we drive to most of the stages. Packing stuff in a storage box is easier and cleaner. Then you just take any small pack and make it work in case you have to walk. Finding what you actually need versus what you want to take is the trick. I have found that overpacking usually cures itself after the first time if you’ve got to ruck from stage to stage.
To give my experience I have used my Eberlestock Gunslinger II for a match with a lot of walking and being away from “resupply” all day. Then either a medium Alice pack (no frame) or a really old Lowe Alpine hiking pack when there is minimal movement and the ability to go back to your vehicle between stages. You can easily put on a small pack and sling a rifle for distances under a mile. Really further than that if you have to.
I have the benefit at most of the matches I go to that we drive to most of the stages. Packing stuff in a storage box is easier and cleaner. Then you just take any small pack and make it work in case you have to walk. Finding what you actually need versus what you want to take is the trick. I have found that overpacking usually cures itself after the first time if you’ve got to ruck from stage to stage.
To give my experience I have used my Eberlestock Gunslinger II for a match with a lot of walking and being away from “resupply” all day. Then either a medium Alice pack (no frame) or a really old Lowe Alpine hiking pack when there is minimal movement and the ability to go back to your vehicle between stages. You can easily put on a small pack and sling a rifle for distances under a mile. Really further than that if you have to.
